Since the start of this year Ukrainian forces have killed 2,911 militants in the area of Debaltseve, ATO spokesman Andriy Lysenko said at a briefing on Saturday.

"According to intelligence updates and information obtained by our scouts, in the Debaltseve area Ukrainian troops have killed 2,911 militants and destroyed more than 40 tanks, more than 30 armored combat vehicles, and about 30 multiple rocket launchers since the beginning of 2015," Lysenko said.

He said that, since the current ceasefire took effect on February 15, Ukrainian forces had "neutralized" 868 militants, eight tanks, 11 other armored vehicles and four multiple rocket launchers in the same area.